A reserved and somewhat withdrawn man, James attempts to keep a low-key profile. He is rational and calm, and able to (with the help of his power) make calculated decisions even in dangerous or stressful situations.
James prides himself in his intelligence, quick wit, and intuitive spatial reasoning skills. In high school, his superhuman abilities in math and physics led him to score high in both the
USAMO and
USAPhO. His intuitive understanding of physics in the real world also led him to do rather well in several sports, including badminton and martial arts.
James finds mathematical beauty in both human efficiency/order and the organized chaos of nature, but does become easily annoyed when he senses disorderness (for example, when a building's proportions are slightly off).
Although James is somewhat altruistic, his concerns are largely for himself. He works as an independent consulting civil engineer, owning and operating a small LA-based firm known for its quality of work and comparatively low prices in local circles. However, he has also amassed a considerable wealth from investments, including in stocks and real estate, using his intuition for numbers to succeed economically. James' wealth has largely been gained legally (including the usual tax avoidance strategies), partially as a challenge to himself, but mostly as a safety precaution against the authorities. He understands the necessity of not flaunting his wealth and power, and as such lives an outwardly modest, yet comfortable, life.
James considers himself both a secular humanist and a transhumanist, and consequently makes inconspicuous donations to various singularitarian and life-extension research organizations, as well as to other nonprofits of his interest. He avoids political donations in an attempt to keep a lower profile; untraceable or small donations to politicians would not grant him any influence, so he generally views them as useless.